DUI checkpoint planned in Atascadero this weekend

– Atascadero Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/drivers license checkpoint on Friday, July 31 between the hours of 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Drugs which may impair driving not only include illegal narcotics, but many prescription drugs, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medications.

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes, according to police. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20-percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

In California, this crime led to 802 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2012. “Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 2 lives and resulted in 20 injury crashes harming 34 of our friends and neighbors,” said Atascadero Police Sergeant Davis.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Atascadero Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.